Western cyclone., 1887-08-12
THE WHITE SATIN DOMINO


captain. lie was quick to observe merit
and prompt to reward it, and this it w@
that made his followers so devoted to him,
and so anxious to distinguish themselves
by prowess in battle, and strict soldierly
conduct in the Emperor's service.
Col Eugene Merville was an attache OF
Napoleon's staff He was a soldier in the
true sense of the Word-devoted to lis
profession, and brave as lion. Though
very handsome, and of fine bearing, he
was Of humble birth-a mere child of the
camp, and had followed the drum and
bugle from boyhood. Every step in the
dine Of promotion had been won by the
stroke of his sabre, and his last promotion
from major of cavalry was for gallant
deed which transpired on the battlefield
beneath the EmperOr's own eye. Murat,
that prince Of cavalry officers, loved him
like brother, and taught him all that his
own good taste and natural instinct had
not led him to acquire before.
It was the carnival season in Paris, and
young Merville found himself at the
masked ball in the French opera. house.
Better adapted in his taste to the field than
the boudOir, he firts but little with the gay
figures that cover the floor, and joins but
seldom In the giddy waltz But at last,
while standing thoughtfully, and regard
ing the assembled thTOng with vacant
eye, his attention was suddenly aroused by
the appearance of a person in white
satin domino, the universal elegance Of
whose figure, manner and bearing con-
vinced all that her face end mind must be
equal alike in grace and loveliness.
Though in so mixed an assembly, still
there was dignity and reserve in the man
ner of the white domino that rather re-
pulsed the idea Of familiar address, and
It was some time before the young soldier
found courage to speak to her Some
alarm being given there was a violent rush
Of the thrOng toward the door, where, 'un-
less assisted, the lady would have material
ly suffered. Eugene Merville offered his
arm, and with his broad shoulders and
stout frame wardcd off the danger. 1t was
q delightful moment; the lady spoke the
purest French; was witty, tanciful and
captivating
"Ahl lady, pray raise the mask, and re-
veal to me the charms Of feature that must
accompany so sweet voice and so grace
ful form as you possess"
"Iou would perhaps be disappointed.
mo, am sure not"
"Are you so very cOnfident?"
"Yes. l feel that you are beautiful 1t
cannot be otherwise"
Don't be too sure Of that" said the
domino. "Have you ever heard of the
Irish poet MOOreS story of the Veiled
prophet of Khorassan-h0w, when he dis.
closed his countenance, its hidcous ASPECT
killed his loved one? How do you know
that shall not turn out yelled pr phet
Of KhOrassanp
"Ahi lady, your every word convinces
me to the contrary" replied the enraptured
soldier, whose heart began TO feel as it
never felt before, he was already in love.
She eluded his efforts at discovery, but
permitted him to hand her to her carriage
which drove in the darkness, and though
he threw himself upon his heetest horse. lie
was unable to OVertake her.
The young French Colonel became
moody; lie had lost lis heart, and knew
not what to do. He wandered hither and
thither, stunned his former places of
amusement, avoided his military compan.
ions; and. III short. was as miserable US n
lover may well lie, thus disappointed. One
night, just after he had left his hotel on
foot, a figure muffled 10 the very ears,
stopped him.
well, monsieur, what would you with
meT asked the soldier.
You would know the name of the
white domino?' was the reply.
Il would, indeed, replied the officer,
hastily. 'How can it be done?"
Follow me-"
ITO the end Of the earth, if it will bring
me to her"
but you must be blindfolded."
Very we'll"
"Step into this vehicle"
Il am at your command"
And away ratified the young soldier and
his strasge companion
This may be a trick" reasoned Eu-
gene Merville; "but have no fear of per
Sonal violence. | am armed with this
truStv saber and can take care of myself"
But there was no cause for fear, since
ne soon found the vehicle stopped, and he
was Ice blindfolded into house. When
the bandage was removed from his eyes he
found himself in richly furnished bOu-
DOR, and before him stood the domino just
as he md met her at the masked ball To
tall upon Ais knees and tell her how much
he had thought of her since their separa-
ton, that he loyed her devotedlv was AS
natural as TO breathe, and he did so most
gallantly and sincerely
Shall believe all you say2"
Lady, let ne prove it by any test you
may put upon me-"
Know. then. that the feelings YOU
evoW are mutual. Nay, unlooSe your arm
from my waist. | have something more
70 say"
Talk on forever. ladyl Your voice is
music TO my heart and ears"
w ould YOU marry me knovinp no
more of me than you DO nOwY'
les. if you were TO go TO the very altar
maskcd" he replied
Then will test YOU"
How. ladyT
For one year be faithful to the love
yoo have profesSed, and l will be yours
s truly as Heaven shall spare my life
oh, cruel, cruel suspenser
You demurT'
Nay. lady; l shall fulfill your injunc-
Won as | have promised.